Dangerous Political Strategy in Bangladesh: Minorities Targeted Ahead of February Elections

With Bangladesh’s general elections scheduled for February 12, the situation for minority communities, particularly Hindus, has grown increasingly perilous. Attacks on Hindu communities have surged in recent months, raising serious concerns about communal safety ahead of the polls.

Reports indicate that the violence against Hindus began after the departure of the Sheikh Hasina government in August 2024 but has intensified following the announcement of the upcoming elections. Among the recent victims is Deepu Chandra Das, who was brutally killed by a mob over allegations of insulting the Prophet.

Pattern of Violence Linked to Political Strategy

A Bangladeshi political leader has revealed a worrying pattern behind the attacks, claiming that communal violence is being orchestrated as a strategy to win votes. Intelligence reports suggest that tensions are being deliberately inflamed in Hindu-majority areas to divide the electorate and influence voter behavior.

An unidentified parliamentary candidate told News18 that politicians are actively encouraging attacks on Hindu neighborhoods. Those carrying out the assaults are being glorified as “soldiers of Islam,” indicating a systematic attempt to use fear as a tool to sway electoral outcomes.

Religious Leaders and Political Actors in Collusion

The rise in anti-minority sentiment appears to be fueled by a coordinated network of hardline Islamic leaders and local political activists. Multiple clips analyzed by sources show extremist clerics urging citizens not to vote for Hindu or non-Muslim candidates, further entrenching communal divisions.

Wider Political Backdrop

The escalating violence has drawn criticism from Bangladesh’s political establishment. Former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, currently residing in India, recently condemned Muhammad Yunus for fostering an environment of terror in the country. Former Awami League MP Bahauddin Nasim labeled the upcoming elections unconstitutional, asserting that Yunus has marginalized half the nation by restricting the participation of the Awami League, Bangladesh’s oldest and largest political party.

The unfolding situation highlights not only the heightened risks faced by minority communities but also the potential for election-related violence to be used as a calculated political tool, raising serious concerns about the fairness and safety of Bangladesh’s upcoming polls.